Neiva P-56 Paulistinha
Indústria Aeronáutica Neiva · Brazil · first flew 1949 · light aircraft
The Neiva P-56 Paulistinha is a Brazilian high-wing light trainer and liaison aircraft built in large numbers as Brazil's primary domestically produced light plane.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- high-wing tandem two-seater with rounded wingtips
- fixed tailwheel undercarriage with wheel fairings
- resembles Piper J-3 Cub in overall layout
Classic high-wing strut-braced monoplane with rounded fabric-covered fuselage; side-by-side or tandem seating; small nose-mounted piston engine; fixed undercarriage with spatted mainwheels.
Specifications
- The Neiva P-56 Paulistinha has a length of 7 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.7 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Neiva's Paulistinha (Little Paulista) evolved from the CAP-4 Paulistinha, itself a licensed development of the American Anderson-Greenwood AG-14 / Piper-family concept. The P-56 was essentially a refined CAP-4, with improved systems and a more powerful engine. Neiva built hundreds for civil and military use, and the type became a symbol of Brazil's nascent aviation industry in the post-war era.
Variants
CAP-4 (predecessor); P-56A; P-56B (more powerful engine); several military utility sub-variants.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Brazilian Air Force for liaison and basic training; widely used by Brazilian aero clubs for decades.
Related aircraft
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